How to Seed Fescue in the Spring

Fescue is a cool-season coarse-textured grass that stays green year-round and is planted from the upper South to the midwestern and northern areas of the country. This hardy grass stands up well to foot traffic, germinates quickly, and is a good choice for lawns and play areas; if you have hot summers, however, you will have to water your fescue lawn often to make sure it doesn't scorch. Although fall is considered the optimal time to seed fescue, spring is the second most desirable time. If you missed fall planting and are eager to start your fescue lawn in the spring, you can still have good results.

Rototiller, tractor harrow or shovel

Rake

Lawn seeder (optional)

Hand roller

Hay or straw

Fertilizer formulated for fall lawns

Slow-release high-nitrogen fertilizer

Pre-emergent crabgrass preventer

Use a garden rototiller, a tractor harrow or a shovel to till the planting area in order to provide a good seed bed of fine, loose soil. Do this after danger of last frost has passed, when air temperatures have reached at least 60 degrees and are expected to rise, but not when night temperatures are over 70 degrees, or the seeds will go dormant.

Level the ground by raking, removing hills and depressions, to ensure a flat surface.

Broadcast the seeds at a rate of 3 to 5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet by using a lawn seeder, or simply sow them by hand.

Rake the seeded area so that the seeds are lightly covered at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Roll the area with a hand roller in order to help firm the soil against the seed and provide a uniform level to the lawn.

Spread straw or hay over the entire planted area in order to conserve moisture and promote germination.

Water the area daily until germination occurs, which is usually in 12 to 22 days. As the lawn becomes established, you can test its need for water by stepping on it; if it doesn't spring back, it needs to be watered thoroughly.

Apply fertilizer especially formulated for fall lawns in October. The following March, apply a slow-release lawn food high in nitrogen, followed by a second application by the first day of May. To avoid the risk of fungal disease, never fertilize your lawn in summer.

Mow your new lawn regularly to keep weeds down, but not too closely; creating "crew-cut" lawns prevents good root establishment, which can affect the fescue's water reserves.

Apply pre-emergent cragbrass preventer in late winter, after your fescue's first year. Do not add it when you sow the fescue; it will stop seeds from germinating.

If you are in a cool-season area, consider mixing rye grass seed with your fescue seed for an especially lush lawn.

In areas with hot summers, it may be necessary to over-seed your fescue lawn yearly to fill in damage caused by heat.